Intercultural stories, tips & advice
Learning to live harmoniously with people from many different backgrounds can pose its challenges, so we've compiled some experiences shared by previous students, as well as our favourite tips and advice, to help you more effectively navigate through a range of intercultural situations.
Students' stories
Our top tips and advice for dealing with differences in intercultural situations:
Expect the unexpected
We are a diverse community - some rules or behaviours which are obvious to you, may not be obvious to others. An action which you consider to be very polite, may come across as rude or inappropriate to others. Being aware that these differences can occur may make it easier to deal with them as and when they arise.
We are a diverse community - some rules or behaviours which are obvious to you, may not be obvious to others. An action which you consider to be very polite, may come across as rude or inappropriate to others. Being aware that these differences can occur may make it easier to deal with them as and when they arise.
Be self-aware
Often it takes us to know ourselves before we can better understand others. Take some time to think about your own cultural values and preferences, as this will help you to understand your own interactions with others. The self-reflective activities of the online Intercultural training modules) can help you with this.
Often it takes us to know ourselves before we can better understand others. Take some time to think about your own cultural values and preferences, as this will help you to understand your own interactions with others. The self-reflective activities of the online Intercultural training modules) can help you with this.
Look and learn
You can learn a lot by watching interactions between others in the community. E.g. How people dress, communicate, and behaviours which might seem polite or rude. Interactions may vary amongst different people in the same group. Observations over time can help you begin to understand others' underlying rules and values.
You can learn a lot by watching interactions between others in the community. E.g. How people dress, communicate, and behaviours which might seem polite or rude. Interactions may vary amongst different people in the same group. Observations over time can help you begin to understand others' underlying rules and values.
Beware of your cultural knowledge gaps
Be aware of the effect you are having on others - if someone looks offended by your actions, try not to take it to heart; and do try to sensitively explore the source of misunderstanding. Some people may not be comfortable discussing these situations directly, so a third party, or 'cultural mediator' may be able to offer suggestions for how to avoid similar situations.
Be aware of the effect you are having on others - if someone looks offended by your actions, try not to take it to heart; and do try to sensitively explore the source of misunderstanding. Some people may not be comfortable discussing these situations directly, so a third party, or 'cultural mediator' may be able to offer suggestions for how to avoid similar situations.
Keep an open mind
If someone comes across as rude or offensive - or even 'weird' to you, consider whether they may just have a different set of cultural values or 'rules' which they are following. Avoid snap judgements, as often there is no 'wrong' or 'right' way of doing something, just different approaches to the same thing - as expressed in this short TED talkLink opens in a new window.
If someone comes across as rude or offensive - or even 'weird' to you, consider whether they may just have a different set of cultural values or 'rules' which they are following. Avoid snap judgements, as often there is no 'wrong' or 'right' way of doing something, just different approaches to the same thing - as expressed in this short TED talkLink opens in a new window.
Learn from mistakes
- both your own, and those of others! It is important to consolidate your learning about a new culture by reflecting on your interactions; analysing their impact on you and on others; and re-evaluating your initial assumptions.
- both your own, and those of others! It is important to consolidate your learning about a new culture by reflecting on your interactions; analysing their impact on you and on others; and re-evaluating your initial assumptions.
Make yourself uncomfortable (a little)
Try stepping a little bit out of the safety of your comfort zone to try some new experiences; engage with and immerse yourself in your new environment. You don't have to go against your core values; or to become exactly like the other members of your new group - a little adjustment goes a long way!
Try stepping a little bit out of the safety of your comfort zone to try some new experiences; engage with and immerse yourself in your new environment. You don't have to go against your core values; or to become exactly like the other members of your new group - a little adjustment goes a long way!
Try, then try again, and again
Making friends across cultures can be difficult - our differences can stack up as barriers to friendship! But keep observing, trying, adjusting, reflecting and tweaking your attempts, and you will usually get there in the end. Another way of looking at it is that the challenges you experience are also opportunities for growth (though they may not feel like it at the time!)
Making friends across cultures can be difficult - our differences can stack up as barriers to friendship! But keep observing, trying, adjusting, reflecting and tweaking your attempts, and you will usually get there in the end. Another way of looking at it is that the challenges you experience are also opportunities for growth (though they may not feel like it at the time!)
Avoid stereotypes!
Spotting trends and patterns in behaviour can be a useful tool to help you interact with other groups, but make sure you don't use these to apply judgements on an individual as a fixed rule - always remember that not all individuals from the group will follow the same pattern!
Spotting trends and patterns in behaviour can be a useful tool to help you interact with other groups, but make sure you don't use these to apply judgements on an individual as a fixed rule - always remember that not all individuals from the group will follow the same pattern!
Want to explore more?
Meet and connect with students from diverse backgrounds in the Global Connections Community. You can also sign up to our various cultural events through the year (open to all students, regardless of your background).
You can also explore this and other areas further through the interactive Intercultural Training Programme.